Les Miserables

by Victor Hugo

English language

Published April 22, 2016

ISBN:: 978-1-354-30595-9

(26 reviews)

Les Misérables (, French: [le mizeʁabl(ə)]) is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century.In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original French title. However, several alternatives have been used, including The Miserables, The Wretched, The Miserable Ones, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, The Victims and The Dispossessed. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. Les Misérables has been popularized through numerous adaptations for film, …

119 editions

frenchcookie49 reviewed Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (Signet classics)

It's a Classic for a reason.

5 stars

What more is there to say on the Best of the French Revolution novels? Victor Hugo, perhaps because of his living through the histories he is writing about, understands. He understands the Revolution. Why it matters. Why 1789, 1830, 1832, 1848 mattered. How it echos through the ages.

And it soars and drops like the starling. This novel is itself a road trip. You live with it, and lets it bore you at times. You listen to the old man talk about Waterloo. You become enthralled about slang. You weep at the barricade. You stop abruptly at the chalk cover gravestone of Jean Valjean.

In it Enjolras states "my friends, the nineteenth century was great but the twentieth will be beautiful." I'm sorry. We have let down the dead. We have let down those who have come before us. We have done poorly.

jums reviewed Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

such a classic

5 stars

One of the biggest classic of French literature of all times

Eduardo Santiago reviewed Les misérables by Victor Hugo

Review of 'Les misérables' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Tougher going than I remember -- maybe because it's unabridged? Some of the preachy/speechy parts are hard to slog through... but even so, what a joy to reread this, and what a beautifully done translation.